"A monarchy is the most expensive of all forms of government, the regal state requiring a costly parade, and he who depends on his own power to rule, must strengthen that power by bribing the active and enterprising whom he cannot intimidate"

James F. Cooper's quote presents a review of monarchical systems of governance, focusing on their inherent expenses and the systems by which power is preserved. At its core, the declaration suggests that monarchy is the most economically challenging kind of government since it requires a "costly parade" to support the regal state's image and authority. This "parade" likely describes the elegant ceremonies, way of lives, and the general opulence associated with a monarchy. These displays are not just ostentation; they serve to reinforce the sovereign's status and the state's magnificence, convincing topics of the monarchy's legitimacy and power.

Cooper continues by going over the means through which a king sustains their rule. He argues that a ruler relying solely on individual power should reinforce that power through 2 primary strategies: intimidation and bribery. Intimidation involves instilling worry to preserve control, making sure that subjects are too cowed to challenge authority. Nevertheless, intimidation has its limits, particularly worrying individuals who are "active and enterprising". These individuals-- most likely referring to prominent, ambitious, or resourceful topics-- can not be easily controlled by fear alone.

For these challenges, Cooper recommends that a monarch resorts to bribery, utilizing wealth and favors to curry favor and safe loyalty from those whom they can not bully into submission. This transactional commitment implies a certain fragility in monarchical power, dependent not exclusively on strength or divine right but also on the practical and ongoing management of influential factions within the society.

Overall, Cooper's review highlights the financial inefficiencies and ethical complexities of keeping a monarchical system. Monarchy is portrayed as an anachronistic and expensive governance form, reliant on a mix of phenomenon and strategic alliances, typically at the cost of transparency and public accountability. Through this lens, Cooper recommends an apprehension concerning the sustainability and ethical structure of such programs.